Canadian Ambassador in farewell visit to Foreign Minister Riekstins

On 18 July, the Ambassador of Canada to the Baltic States, Claire Poulin, is to call on the Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins in a farewell visit.

It is anticipated that at the meeting both sides will exchange views on co-operation in Afghanistan, which currently is the most important issue on Canada's foreign policy agenda. Of interest to Latvia is co-operation with Canada in the EU's eastern neighbouring countries, as well as the implementation of youth exchange programmes. Latvia and Canada need to strengthen trade relations, and also the promotion of tourism, considering that a visa-free regime is in force between both countries. During France's Presidency of the EU, an EU-Canada summit meeting is planned to take place, which is an important mechanism for fostering dialogue on international issues.

During her term in office, Ambassador Poulain has considerably developed and deepened relations between Latvia and Canada. One of the most significant achievements was the decision by Canada to commence a visa-free regime with Latvia, which entered into force on 31 October, 2007. There have also been exchanges of visits at the highest level, for example the state visit by former President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to Canada, as well as the visit to Latvia by the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in order to participate in the NATO summit in Riga. During Ambassador Poulain's term in Latvia much has been done to promote interest among the Latvian public about Canada's values and cultural heritage, with the organisation of a number of exibitions and also a conference on democracy and ethics. 

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